LVD’s Nozzle Changer
Following the successful integration of the nozzle changer on its Sirius Plus CO2 laser systems, LVD is extending the option to its large table capacity Impuls 6020 Lasers to address heavy plate fabrication requirements.

As materials and thickness change throughout the production day, the machine will select the right nozzle for each and every job. Requiring no operator intervention, the nozzle changer reduces downtime, by quickly performing nozzle changes including cleaning the nozzle and checking the nozzle alignment

Gullegem, Belgium – As Industry 4.0 becomes increasingly relevant to the sheet metalworking industry, LVD has responded with a technology that gives shop managers critical production information in real time.

TOUCH-i4 is an industrial strength Windows-based tablet that provides an overview of the entire fabrication workshop. TOUCH-i4 generates and presents live information needed to manage networked LVD laser, punching and bending machines.

The real-time TOUCH-i4 system collects information from your LVD machines and centralised CADMAN database to offer insight and flexibility to your daily operations. This information can be viewed and managed wirelessly on the shop floor with TOUCH-i4, allowing the user to make informed decisions based on lead-time, cost, technology and individual machine workload. Detailed information includes KPI history with full visibility and diagnosis of workshop performance including OEE analysis, future workload with overview and plan future workload by overall capacity, by technology and by individual machine and sort and validate, TOUCH-i4 can be used to help sort and validate parts allowing users to streamline production orders ready for the next operation.

Gullegem, Belgium – Reflection. An important ritual that involves taking time to appreciate the successes of our customers, our personnel and our latest product innovations. Looking back on 2014, we’ve introduced products in all ranges, developed to increase the agility and overall competitiveness of our customer.

In our press brake range, LVD’s next generation of Easy-Form press brakes features a new, modern design that is more energy efficient, easier to use and incorporates added safety features. Aesthetic and ergonomic, the Easy-Form has advanced control technology, servo drives and scanning sensors, ensuring more responsive operation and higher productivity.

In terms of laser technology, we’ve introduced a 4 kW Electra fiber laser enabling more powerful, faster performance. The Electra can be paired with new Flexible Automation (FA-L). The automation is designed to work in sequence with laser cutting machines’ continuously improving capabilities and higher cutting speeds. The FA-L unloads a finished sheet and loads the next sheet on the table within 40 seconds. This is possible due to separation of load/unload devices working simultaneously, resulting in fast changeovers. Other features include sheet thickness control and automatic sheet separators, ensuring lift of only one sheet of the intended thickness.

LVD also developed its and most versatile punching technology with the new Strippit PX-Series. The Strippit PX offers the flexibility to punch, form, bend and tap on a single machine to efficiently complete multiple processes, including the processing of complex, three-dimensional parts. The Strippit PX allows for bending of small boxes, brackets, knockouts, louvres and countersinks with flange heights up to 75 mm. The Strippit PX provides large all-tool rotation capacity, high hit rates, large workpiece handling and is available with modular automation options.

On the software side of things, we’ve released a technology with Industry 4.0 in mind. TOUCH-i4, an industrial strength Windows-based tablet provides an overview of the entire fabrication workshop. TOUCH-i4 generates and presents live information needed to manage your networked LVD laser, punching and bending machines. The real-time TOUCH-i4 system collects information from your LVD machines and centralised CADMAN database to offer insight and flexibility to your daily operations. This information can be viewed and managed wirelessly on the shop floor with TOUCH-i4, allowing the user to make informed decisions based on lead-time, cost, technology and individual machine workload.

As we head into 2015 with new development already underway, we’d like to thank everyone who has made 2014 another successful year for LVD.

LVD will exhibit at EuroBLECH 2014 with the theme “Take the Lead”. EuroBLECH is the world’s leading exhibition for the sheet metalworking industry and LVD will feature its latest and most advanced sheet metalworking solutions for bending, laser cutting and punching along with automation and software. LVD offers process integration solutions from an electronic part to production planning and in-process quality assurance. A part of LVD’s EuroBLECH line-up will be an exciting new technology developed with Industry 4.0 in mind. As this manufacturing revolution gains momentum LVD unveils a technology that can transform a shop floor, giving decision-makers powerful, real-time insight of operations. Visitors will have the chance to see this innovation’s worldwide debut at booth Hall 12 Stand F50.

Featured from our laser cutting range is the incredibly fast fiber laser, the Electra, equipped with LVD’s most flexible automation yet, the FA-L, which can unload a finished sheet and load the next within forty seconds. For the cutting of thicker materials, Sirius Plus CO2 laser equipped with Adaptive Laser Cutting (ALC) technology uses continuous feedback to increase productivity and assure quality by monitoring and regulating laser power, speed and assist gas pressure, instantly.

LVD’s latest bending technology includes the Dyna-Press, LVD’s super compact press brake ideal for the bending of small and simple parts. The new generation Easy-Form with advanced in-process adaptive bending technology and an advanced touch screen control in an aesthetic and ergonomic design ensures more responsive operation and higher productivity. Finally, the ToolCell, LVD’s innovative press brake with an integrated tool changing system that significantly reduces press brake set up time.

Representing LVD’s punch press range is the Strippit PX with a 10 pallet automated material handling system, the Compact Tower (CT-P). The Strippit PX combines punching, forming, bending and tapping in a single machine for complete work piece processing, including complex, three-dimensional parts. The CT-P provides full capabilities for loading, unloading, and storage of raw material and finished parts.

LVD invites EuroBLECH visitors to discover the new features of the latest version of CADMAN® offline programming software for punching, bending and laser cutting applications. LVD’s software presentations at EuroBLECH invite visitors to experience ‘Art to Part 2.0’. CADMAN is an integrated, PC-based CAD/CAM system operating in a Windows® environment. CADMAN’s automatic functions simplify programming and increase the productivity and flexibility of the sheet metal fabrication process. Integration of production processes further improves efficiency. LVD also offers the module CADMAN-JOB, software that helps users analyze and optimize their workshop’s throughput.

A large selection of top and bottom tooling is stored in a tooling stadium/warehouse under the back gauge. An innovative gripper design built into the machine’s back gauge finger serves as the tool changer mechanism.

When a job is complete, the press brake automatically changes the top and bottom tooling as required for the next job. All tool stations are precisely positioned, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. LVD’s patented Easy-Form® Laser in process angle monitoring and correction technology ensures first part, good part bending accuracy. A 19” touch-screen display makes operation easy and intuitive.

Along with the new 220-ton, 3-meter model, LVD offers a 220-ton, 4 meter model and a 135 ton, 3 meter model.